Ann's Platform

I’m running for City Council because Pocatello is my lifelong home — I grew up here, I’m raising my kids here, and I want them to stay and thrive here, too. Community service has always been part of who I am. I’ve been fortunate to serve small businesses through my work at the Small Business Development Center, but now I’m ready to serve the broader community. This campaign is a way to give back — to protect what makes Pocatello special while preparing it for the future. I believe in thoughtful, representative leadership, and I’m committed to ensuring Pocatello remains a safe, vibrant, and affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Our most urgent challenge is housing. Rising prices and limited inventory are making it harder for families to afford to live here. From renters to first-time homebuyers, too many are struggling to find safe, stable housing. This shortage also affects our ability to recruit and retain workers, grow businesses, and maintain quality of life. When housing becomes out of reach, everything else—from education to health to economic stability—becomes harder. Addressing this crisis requires collaboration, creativity, and compassion.

We must focus on increasing access to affordable rentals and starter homes. That means removing barriers to infill development, creating incentives for mixed-income housing, and supporting public-private partnerships that expand inventory without compromising neighborhood character. I’ll work to align our housing strategy with economic development so we’re not recruiting businesses faster than we can house their employees. And I’ll advocate for our ALICE families—those working full-time but still struggling to make ends meet. Housing policy must reflect their needs.

My first priority will be ensuring strong core services—especially public safety—are balanced with responsible budgeting. That includes competitive pay and proper staffing for emergency responders, while also protecting taxpayer dollars. I’ll champion budgets that are easy to understand and prioritize investments in infrastructure and neighborhoods. Our city government must lead with accountability, listening closely to the people it serves, and expanding digital and in-person communication with citizens and city officials. Pocatello deserves leadership that’s focused, fair, and fiscally smart.

 Community service has long been a personal value of mine. In my twenties, I was asked what I wanted to be remembered for, and my answer was simple: "being a good parent and a community servant." After years of working alongside small business owners through my role as Director of the Small Business Development Center, and volunteering in local campaigns and civic groups, I realized that public office would allow me to further serve Pocatello by shaping policy that improves daily life. I’m running to give back to the city that raised me and to ensure future generations have the same opportunities I did growing up here.

 Conservation Voters for Idaho shares my belief that communities thrive when we steward our natural resources wisely. As someone who grew up in the foothills of Pocatello and is raising my own children here, I see firsthand how access to clean air, open space, and safe outdoor recreation contributes to our quality of life. I’m seeking CVI’s endorsement because I value practical, community-based solutions to conservation and understand the connection between environmental health and economic resilience.

1. Housing Affordability & Availability: Safe, affordable housing is increasingly out of reach for working families in Pocatello.
   
   

2. Support for Working Families (ALICE population): Nearly half of our residents are working full-time and still struggling to meet basic needs.
   
   

3. Balancing Growth with Infrastructure: We must carefully manage development to ensure our infrastructure and services keep pace while preserving the character of our community.
   

I serve as Director of the Small Business Development Center at Idaho State University, where I lead a team that supports hundreds of small businesses annually. This role requires strategic planning, budgeting, public speaking, and cross-sector collaboration. I also volunteer with the Pocatello Chamber of Commerce Trailblazers and Legislative Committee, and participate in economic development planning. While I haven’t held elected office before, I’ve actively worked on local campaigns and understand the value of civic dialogue and collaborative leadership.

• Pocatello Chamber of Commerce: I am a trailblazer and member of the chamber legislative committee.

• Healthwest Board member, Bright Tomorrows child advocacy center volunteer: Service and fellowship are key values for me, and this involvement has further ingrained in me the importance of community involvement.

 I’ve supported and promoted the Portneuf Greenway Foundation and helped advocate for walkability and green infrastructure through public-private partnerships. I’ve also worked with business clients looking to adopt energy-efficient practices and infrastructure upgrades. Personally, I make use of our trail systems and local parks and understand their importance to our well-being, tourism, and economic development.

 Preserving open space and improving access to outdoor recreation stands out as a priority. Pocatello residents deeply value our trail systems and the natural beauty of our surroundings. As a council member, I would support implementation of the Portneuf River Vision and Comprehensive Plan 2040 goals to expand greenways and ensure future development includes sustainable, walkable design. I would also support strategic investments in parks and partner with local organizations to leverage grants and volunteer efforts.

Growth pressures and housing demands can lead to development that encroaches on open space or overwhelms infrastructure. Balancing economic development with environmental resilience will require updated zoning, clear planning priorities, and open dialogue with developers and residents alike. Fiscal limitations also pose challenges, so creative funding partnerships will be essential.

 Yes.  I support Pocatello continuing to build on Idaho’s already clean energy portfolio by investing in efficiency, supporting solar-ready development, and incentivizing green infrastructure in city projects. I would champion sustainability benchmarks in city procurement and collaborate with Idaho Power and Avista to ensure long-term cost-effective strategies that benefit ratepayers and the environment alike.

 I will advocate for continued funding of our parks and greenway systems, prioritize open space preservation in development planning, and support leveraging state and federal grants. I will also work with community partners and neighborhood groups to enhance access and stewardship through volunteer programs and public engagement.

By aligning land use planning with our Comprehensive Plan 2040, I’ll promote infill development, support mixed-use and walkable neighborhoods, and ensure zoning changes prioritize sustainability. We can encourage developers to follow Smart Growth principles and utilize tools like form-based code to align growth with environmental values.

 I would prioritize transparency and public outreach as a council member—through regular town halls, active social media, and partnerships with schools and nonprofits to educate voters. I believe elected officials must be visible, accessible, and accountable. Promoting local democracy also means advocating for accessible polling locations, language access, and early voting options.

I’m cautious about expanding sales taxes to services. This approach often places a greater burden on working families and small businesses—two groups I aim to support. We need thoughtful solutions that balance funding essential services without increasing costs for those already struggling.

Real estate transfer taxes can unintentionally increase housing costs. With affordability already a challenge in Pocatello, I do not support new taxes that could further hinder first-time homebuyers or our ALICE families.

I support allowing voters to decide local option taxes for specific community needs like infrastructure or public safety. Local control with clear, transparent goals ensures accountability and public trust.

The homeowner’s exemption helps Idaho families afford homeownership. I support protecting and possibly updating it to reflect rising property values and housing costs.

I would support tying the exemption cap to a percentage of median home prices, so it adjusts with the market. This helps ensure fairness for homeowners without shifting undue burden onto renters or businesses.

I support election consolidation when it improves voter turnout and reduces administrative costs. However, local engagement is critical, so we must ensure consolidation doesn’t dilute visibility or access to important local elections which often receive fewer resources and attention.

Housing availability, infrastructure capacity, and workforce retention. If we can’t house or transport our growing workforce affordably, we’ll struggle to attract or retain quality employers.

I support right-sized business recruitment, housing diversity, and walkable neighborhoods. Public-private partnerships can help modernize infrastructure while maintaining fiscal discipline.

They should play a collaborative role. These groups offer valuable, lived-in perspectives that help shape more inclusive, neighborhood-focused city planning.

Yes. Transparency is key to trust. Regularly identifying and reviewing tax-exempt properties ensures fairness and helps guide smarter financial planning.

UNDER  WHAT  CONDITIONS  WOULD  YOU  FAVOR  A  REDUCTION  IN  THE  TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY FOR BOND ELECTIONS?

I aim to address housing affordability, infrastructure maintenance, and support for working families. I’ll pursue cost-effective partnerships and policies that uplift our ALICE population without raising unnecessary taxes.

Pocatello is my hometown. I’m raising my kids here, and I want them to thrive in a safe, affordable, and opportunity-rich community. Public service is my way of giving back and ensuring Pocatello’s future reflects its potential.

I’m Ann Swanson, a lifelong Pocatellan, a mom, and a dedicated public servant. My journey has taken me far—across the country and around the world—but my heart has always been here in Pocatello.

I grew up here, attending Washington Elementary, Franklin Junior High, and graduating from  High. After earning my undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and a master’s in gerontology and health administration from USC, I was honored to serve as a Fulbright scholar in Spain, developing respite programs for dementia caregivers in Barcelona. Those experiences deepened my belief in the power of service and community.

Today, I’m raising two children here in the same city that shaped me. Professionally, I serve as Director of the Small Business Development Center at ISU, where I work hand-in-hand with hundreds of local entrepreneurs. My role allows me to help grow Pocatello’s economy from the ground up—one small business at a time.

Though I haven’t held elected office yet, I’ve been active in civic life for years—volunteering with the Chamber of Commerce, supporting local campaigns, and knocking doors to hear directly from neighbors. My candidacy is a continuation of that service—a way to give back to the community that raised me.

My proudest accomplishment is raising my two children in Pocatello—watching them grow up surrounded by the same mountains, schools, and community values that shaped me. Being their mom grounds every decision I make, including my decision to run for City Council. I want them—and all Pocatello’s kids—to inherit a city that offers opportunity, safety, and belonging.

I am proud of the work I do as Director of the Small Business Development Center at ISU. Every day, I have the chance to support local entrepreneurs—people who are taking risks, creating jobs, and strengthening our local economy. Helping them succeed means real impact for families and neighborhoods across Pocatello. It’s rewarding work.

My heart for service ties it all together. Whether it’s volunteering at Chamber events, or walking alongside a small business owner figuring out payroll for the first time—those are the moments I’m most proud of. They reflect the values I was raised with: lead with care, listen first, and always work to leave things better than you found them.

I am running for public office because I want to make Pocatello a welcoming, prosperous, and competitive place to work, conduct business, and raise a family. 

I grew up in Pocatello, and I’m raising my children here. I want them to raise their families here, too. Family, leadership and volunteerism are always high priorities. This city has so much to offer, and I’m committed to working hard to ensure it remains a great place to live, work, and grow. 

I am fortunate that my career, as director of our local Small Business Development Center at the ISU College of Business, allows me to work closely with hundreds of small business owners and employees. Helping them innovate and succeed is extremely rewarding. I’m ready to extend the same innovation and dedication to Pocatello’s City Council.

My platform prioritizes:

Housing Availability: I will prioritize affordable, safe rentals and first time home buyer options. These are the building blocks of our city. Idaho home prices are working against home ownership and home inventory is low. 

Right-size business recruiting: Our focus should be on recruiting small businesses (those with 10-40 employees). We need to be honest about the kind of growth we can sustain.

Supporting First Responders: Our first responders keep us safe and deserve our full support. I will advocate for competitive pay, modern facilities, and staffing levels that meet the demands of our growing community.

One of the greatest challenges facing Pocatello right now is affordability—especially when it comes to housing and basic cost of living. Nearly half of our community falls into the ALICE population (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are our neighbors who work full-time but still struggle to cover essentials like rent, groceries, and childcare. We also face a housing shortage that makes it harder for first-time buyers and young families to put down roots.

My plan starts with thoughtful, realistic policies that prioritize affordability and livability. That means supporting more diverse housing options—safe rentals, infill development, and first-time homebuyer incentives—while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. It also means making sure our city services work efficiently for everyone, and that we’re investing in infrastructure that supports growth without leaving families behind.

Another challenge is making sure our economic development is the right fit for Pocatello. That’s why I support “right-sized” business growth—focusing on recruiting and retaining small businesses that align with our city’s current infrastructure, especially while housing is tight.

Most importantly, I believe in leadership that listens. I’ll keep working families at the forefront of every policy decision, because that’s who I’m here to serve. When we center our decisions on everyday residents—not just numbers—we build a stronger, more resilient Pocatello for everyone.

I believe good leadership starts with listening—especially to those who see things differently. Pocatello isn’t one-size-fits-all, and our City Council should reflect that. I’m committed to representing every neighbor, not just those who agree with me. That means seeking input early, being present in the community, and creating more opportunities for residents to be heard.

I plan to hold regular listening sessions in different neighborhoods—not just around election season, but throughout my service. I want to hear what’s working, what’s not, and what ideas people have for moving our city forward. I’ll also maintain an open-door policy and responsive communication via email, social media, and in-person conversations. Transparency is key.

Our city deserves thoughtful, balanced leadership that isn’t swayed by partisanship but rooted in shared values: safety, opportunity, and quality of life. I’ve spent my career working across different industries, viewpoints, and backgrounds—helping small business owners solve problems, one-on-one. That same mindset applies to public service.

My promise is to study issues carefully, ask questions that reflect the concerns I hear from residents, and make decisions that put Pocatello families first. We may not always agree, but I’ll always listen, and I’ll always work to earn your trust.

As a candidate grounded in both fiscal responsibility and community well-being, I believe our city budget must reflect our priorities: safety, infrastructure, and support for working families.

Where we need more funding:

Public safety must remain a top priority. That means ensuring our police, firefighters, and paramedics have competitive pay, adequate staffing, and modern equipment. These are not luxuries—they’re essentials. I also support increased investment in walkability and infrastructure renewal, especially projects that improve access and property values in underserved neighborhoods. When we invest wisely in sidewalks, roads, and water systems, we build a stronger, more connected Pocatello.

Where we can be more efficient:

We need to take a hard look at administrative overhead and ensure every dollar spent is tied to clear outcomes. That includes reducing duplication between departments and modernizing systems to improve efficiency. In my work supporting small businesses, I’ve seen how streamlining processes and embracing smart technology can free up resources without sacrificing quality.

Finally, I support greater budget transparency and public input. Clear, readable budgets help residents understand where their tax dollars go—and build trust in how those dollars are managed. With the right tools and honest conversations, we can balance needs and resources in a way that serves the entire community.

Pocatello has exciting potential for smart, community-centered growth—especially in areas like downtown, north Pocatello near the ISU corridor, and existing underutilized commercial spaces throughout the city.

Downtown Pocatello is already a cultural and economic hub. With the right support, we can continue to revitalize this area with mixed-use development—projects that combine housing, retail, and community space. Encouraging infill projects here makes the most of existing infrastructure and supports our local economy without contributing to sprawl.

In north Pocatello, near ISU and along key transportation routes, we have the opportunity to create more workforce and student housing, as well as walkable commercial developments that serve both residents and visitors. This aligns well with our Comprehensive Plan 2040 goals of creating connected, safe, and accessible neighborhoods.

To support this growth, I would advocate for streamlined permitting, public-private partnerships, and incentive programs that encourage redevelopment of underused properties—while ensuring new projects match our infrastructure capacity and neighborhood character.

Most importantly, I would work to engage residents early in the process, so development reflects community needs—not just developer interests. With thoughtful planning and intentional investment, we can grow in ways that strengthen our economy, protect our quality of life, and make Pocatello a place where more families can afford to live, work, and thrive.

The tragic death of Victor Perez shook our entire community. As a parent and lifelong Pocatellan, my heart breaks for Victor’s family and for everyone affected. Moments like this demand compassion, accountability, and leadership that brings people together—not divides them.

I believe the City’s response should always begin with transparency and empathy. In this case, more proactive communication could have helped build trust, reduce confusion, and honor the seriousness of what occurred. Families and community members need to know their voices matter and that their concerns are being heard clearly and respectfully.

As for the Pocatello Police Department, this moment is an opportunity—not to cast blame—but to reflect, listen, and improve. That includes a thorough review of protocols, de-escalation training, and ensuring there are clear communication channels between officers and the communities they serve—especially our youth and ALICE populations, who often feel unseen.

I would advocate for community forums and ongoing dialogue between the police, residents, and city leadership. Strengthening trust between law enforcement and the public makes everyone safer. We must treat this not as a one-time event, but as a catalyst for meaningful change—grounded in empathy, transparency, and shared responsibility.

Victor’s life mattered. Our response must reflect that truth in both word and action.